The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Airport Corridor Transportation Association (ACTA) call on drivers and riders to commit to sharing the road through safe driving and riding practices and by recognizing that Motorcyclists’ Safety Is Everyone’s Safety.
Motorcycle ownership and miles traveled have shown steady growth over time, and motorcycle rider fatalities have gone up. Road safety for motorcyclists should be a concern and priority for every road user. Every year, a disproportionate number of motorcyclists are involved in traffic fatalities. These fatalities can be prevented through consistent safe behavior from both drivers and riders.
According to the latest NHTSA data, from 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes that year representing 15% of all the traffic fatalities. The fatality rate for motorcyclists was 28 times higher than that of passenger car occupants. Speed and alcohol impairment are the leading contributors in fatalities among motorcycle riders. Thirty-six percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 22% of all passenger car drivers. Of the motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes, 41% were alcohol-impaired.
Motorcycle riders practicing these easy safety steps can potentially save lives:
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Ride sober.
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Observe all traffic laws.
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Obey the speed limit.
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Ride defensively.
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Avoid distractions while driving.
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Wear protective clothing and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets.
For motorcyclists, hands-on motorcycle rider education provides dynamic riding skills and builds rider confidence. Completing such training is essential and may provide insurance discounts while easing the path to obtaining a motorcycle license. Motorcyclists can contact their state motor vehicle administration to get licensed and find a motorcycle rider training course near them.
NHTSA leads efforts to increase helmet use nationwide and estimates that the use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets among motorcycle riders increased to 73.8% in 2023 from 66.5% in 2022. Motorcycle riders can learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet at NHTSA.gov/Motorcycles.